Rucksack advice required.

I've not died just been quiet and not had the best July early August ever I have to say. Jez has been away a lot, we have a bit of a standard joke that something always breaks or goes wrong when he's away...the fridge, the kitchen lights, his car getting stolen (not really fun that one) but this year it seemed to have been mainly ok.

Until last few weeks where grandparent, codger cat then heading for codgerdom car all decided to have something quite wrong with them. A bit stressful to say the least. However, got a good blast on the road bike on Saturday and ridden in to work yesterday and today and things are starting to feel right in my world again, yay!

Anyway, back to the matter in hand the zips on my trusty Salomon 20L commuting rucksack have both finally given up the ghost. I've had it for years and got my money's worth so I now need to replace it with something similar. I think it was too long for my back really so looking at the OMM sacks. My last drop is too small really so its a choice between:

The Adventure Light 20L

http://www.theomm.com/products/packs/adventureLight.html

Or the Ultra Light 15L

http://www.theomm.com/products/packs/ultra-15.html

It needs to have waist pockets for works pass, keys and enough space to take clothes (no shoes or owt as they are at work), a camp towel thingy and some food but not be so big I'm tempted to carry too much. Will also probably use it for light hillwalking and general fubbing around. Anyone got one of the above, how big are they really and what can you squeeze in them?

Yaaaaawwwwnnnnnn!

Two sleep disrupted weekends on the trot, the one just past entirely self inflicted and alcohol related (serious, "never drinking again, god I am getting too old for this" stuff) , the previous weekend was work/on call related so not my fault. Not really a great deal of excitement to report apart from a new kit frenzy.....

Haglofs Oz Pullover, fab, getting lots of use already but the flappy hood is getting annoying/may strangle me/ acts as a parachute in strong head winds.
New Mudclaws half a size smaller, didn't start bothering my feet until after 10 miles on initial run so hope there (just wondering what to do with hardly used size 6's...running in Sealskins is in my future I think).
Thermal Odlo poncetastic undershorts - I suffer from painful cold arse syndrome badly, they seem to help for running.
Waterproof shorts for cycling, caved and bought a pair as full trousers too much and to help in the battle against cycling cold arse.

So ready for winter, just as well as its here!

I have bought metres of paclite in the last twelve months....

Inov8 Mudclaw 330's

I was given a pair of them for my birthday way back in March but shamefully they have never been allowed out due to me not running offroad much during mara training. On Monday night I decided it was time to remedy that and go find some mud to cover them in.

As I have heard various stories of people not getting on with Inov8's I was originally only going to do a short low level run but after a frustrating day at work I decided running up a windswept hill was in order. So off to Abbey Village with plans to run up to Great Hill, down to the road on what should hopefully be a pretty muddy descent then back to Abbey Village, taking in one of my least favourite tracks to run down but I'd worry about that later. So 7 milesish.

Up past the sawmill on what is usually a reliably boggy field to find it surprisingly bone dry, ah well. It was quite dry until heading across towards Brinscall where I found some proper bog, enough to almost suck the right shoe off. Even though I always think my laces are tight when I set off I always have to tighten them up after a while.

Up the hard pack path to the top of Great Hill where they were squirming a bit, not surprisingly. The wind was really strong and in my face but it was quite invigorating after being on a PC all day. Up onto the top and I could feel a little hotspot on my right heel. My sock was bunched up in the shoe so I pulled it out and straightened it, hopefully it was that that was causing it.

Down towards the Belmont road and some proper stodge. They were pretty confidence inspiring though the thick stodge though this descent was still really quite dry compared to what its like in the winter. They felt a lot better than the Mizuno's. After that it was down Mill Lane which I always pick my way down slowly but I actually ran it the best I ever have. Not sure it was anything to do with the shoes as I certainly had a few slips on the greasy rocks but my head seemed to be up for it. Then a couple of miles down through the woods and back to the car.

I really enjoyed myself, all cobwebs blown away. I have a pair of respectably muddy shoes and a little blister on my right heel, fingers crossed it was the sock as these should be excellent in the winter.

Shuffle is alive.

Had a last ditch effort to resuscitate the shuffle yesterday, I stuck it in a bag of rice and put it in the airing cupboard overnight. This morning it was working fine, fab. I have left it charging but obviously will have to avoid getting it so wet.

RIP Shuffle

Shuffle is dead, its not taking charge or switching on. Maybe it didn't like getting a soaking? I've had it a couple of years I think and it even survived me shutting it in a car door but it is no more so I need to get another one.

I quite fancy the look of the new 4Gb shuffle but Apple have put the controls on the headphones, leaving aside all sound quality issues with Ipod headphones the buds are just far too big for my ear holes, they fall out when I'm sat still never mind running. Unless I can find some aftermarket ones (Sony preferably) but I think the unit is a little new for that then I'll be getting another 1Gb one.

To be honest that will be enough, I only use it for running, I've never managed to put 1Gb of songs on my running playlist and they are now £30 so not too bad.

D'Oh

I set off on for a run after work yesterday, I had planned to do some intervals to see if I could and just to make my legs move a bit. I got ready, set off out the door and noticed the Garmin said the battery was low. I wasn't worried as last time it did that I got a good hour out of it still. It died after half a mile, plank that I am.

I had to reassess my plans, intervals were out as I had no way of measuring time/distance or anything else so I opted just to have a run at a comfortable pace and enjoy myself. I think I did about 4 easy miles in the end and I finished the run a lot happier than when I started though my legs are still lacking in a little zip.

I'll be postponing the intervals until next week, I did think about doing them this evening but I have my long run planned for Saturday and intervals the day before a long run is just not sensible.

New Tyre Required

A close inspection of my rear road bike tyre on Sunday means I have now binned it. There was one piece of glass which had been pushed in and round almost to the side wall, I couldn't prise it out from the outside and and to take the tyre off and push it out from the inside. That left a big debris attracting hole. I'm a bit gutted as I bet the tyre has done not much more than 100 miles.

So I need a new tyre/tyres and some tubes. I had GP 4 Seasons tyres on and I really liked them grip wise but I'm not sure they had a kevlar strip in them as the glass seemed to go through really easily. I need something commute worthy but ok in the wet - I find GatorSkins lethal. Will try to nip in to Ribble or Hewitts on Saturday.

No Riding Last Night

Various snafu's including people not actually coming and stuck at work late and my shoulder meant that we decided not to ride. Jez and I had gone to Abbey Village and normally if I've bothered to get myself and bike there then I'll ride but I was worried about my shoulder and controlling the bike in the inevitable slippy stuff as I tweaked it lifting things into the car. I surprised myself at how happily I agreed to go home and do some more sorting out.

Shoulder is better today but still but still needs constant stretching, letting my head drop down seems to really pull it. I am planning on cycling to work on Friday to make up for not riding last night.

The paclite arrived. Its not quite the blue I was expecting, its more a grey/blue which isn't super visible but it is a very light shell in comparison to the heavy Altura so now I'm wondering whether I'll need more layers ?

I also ordered a pair of the Gore Solid Paclite MTB pants, they are described as loose fit which means my thighs have a chance of fitting in them. I realised that I have been planning to buy some light weight waterproof bottoms for walking for a long time, the ones I currently have are very good but they are also very heavy, only really suitable for the depths of winter (or summer in the Cairngorms). The Paclites should fit the bill and get some use other than just for fubbing about on a bike.

Waterproof Trousers

Whilst my old waterproof trousers are ok for short rides they are not at all breathable, they also don't have articulated knees and they rubbed a little on my ride out to the farm shop on Friday. On a longer ride I would be just as wet from the inside as out. They were a bargainous 20 pounds about 7 years ago so I can't really complain. I think I will do some research on some better trousers in case I decide they are worth purchasing...maybe after Christmas.

I like the look of the Gore ones, though not the price but due to my exceedingly sporty thighs I need to find somewhere to try them on and check the fit. Mmmm kit shopping.

New Forks For the Specialized

I ordered some carbon forks for the Spesh over the weekend and they arrived today. I went for a pair of Exotic carbon forks:

They are disk only and corrected for 80mm travel frames, most carbon forks these days are based around a 100mm travel frame. The only thing to think about now is how to fit a decent mudguard to the front.

Hopefully Jez will fit it over the weekend - and I need to start whining about the Titus....I want to ride it again.

New Shoes

They are so red, it's untrue. They also look like go faster shoes. Still not sure I would want to do more than a short run in them but they should be ok for running round a muddy field:

I do need to get them muddy quick!

Off Road Run

Headed out from Ryal Fold after work, it was cloudy and a little chilly - lovely and sunny in St Annes when I left work which is just typical. I set off up the hill and remembered that the loop I was planning was the same one where my psoas started giving me trouble. After I climb for a bit I then descend again, the first section is off road and the second is tarmac and on the tarmac I started having problems last time. It happened again!

I am possibly running too fast, or maybe its because I headed straight up hill out the car without an easy warmup, or maybe its to do with tarmac? It wasn't in danger of cramping on the offroad descent. I slowed down enough to calm it down a bit and it only merely grumbled for the rest of the run.

Trail conditions were even drier than Saturday though there was one section of very deep minging looking bog that I couldn't be bothered running though and used the fence to avoid. The trails we MTB on will be fast for Wednesday's night ride.

Just under 6 miles, starting to feel stronger again - barring psoas. I have thought back to last time I had this problem and I remember spending a lot of time doing side planks, time to start again, deep joy!

My Mizuno Harrier shoes are getting on for 400 miles in them so I am looking out for something else, I normally retire road shoes around the 400 - 500 mark but I think they've still got loads left in them. I think I will get another pair of the Harriers for drier runs but they really struggle on the gloopy moorland sections, last winter I avoided certain areas as I knew I would be skating rather than running, I want to be able to keep running them. I think Walsh shoes will be ok for cross country but too minimalist for me for the normal runs I do. Will have a look at Inov-8's range to see if I fancy trying any of them.

Running is supposed to be a cheap sport! In comparison to cyclig I suppose it is!

Kerching!

Have been thinking about all the bike kit I've bought over the last month, it was my own fault for thinking I hadn't spent much on them recently.

So far:

• A new HID light for night riding - not essential but I don't trust my old one, cut out on me one too many times. £250 ish
• New rear light for night riding - old one of them also flaky £10 (what do I do to lights?)
• A set of Ortlieb panniers - should last years though £90 ish
• Flippy pedals for the Spesh - £35
• Set of bearings for the Titus swingarm and for the bottom bracket - £65 (gah!)
• Jockey wheels for both Titus and On One rear mechs - £30 (splutter!)
• New cables for both MTBs £40 ish (cough!)
• New middle ring, chain and cassette for the On One - about £60 ish when I order them (eek!)
• New chain for the Titus £15 ish when I order it (possibly new cassette too, doubt I'll get away with it)

Getting on for £600!!!!!!!!!!!! I need a new front commuter light too.

Panniers are here

I picked them up and fitted them yesterday. They were a doddle to fit and are very easy to take on and off. I rode out to the farm shop which is 5.5 miles away and picked up all fruit and veg for the week as well as a dozen eggs. I managed to get all the eggs back unscathed! The panniers were pretty full but I could've gotten a good bit more in and the handling of the bike wasn't too bad. The bike felt different and a little more ponderous but not too bad. I also picked up the odds and sods I needed from the Supermarket later on, so around 14 miles of errand running on the bike today.

Spesh with flippy pedals:

Spesh with fetching red and black Ortlied panniers:

Flippy Pedals

Fitted the flippy pedals (one side flat, one side SPD) to the Spesh on Sunday and gave them a try out. We were due to be heading up to Scotland late afternoon and we needed some bits and bobs from the supermarket and a map of the northern end of the Loch Lomond area as we were planning a walk over there, our Trossachs map didn't extend far enough. My plan was to head to supermarket first then into town for just after 11 am.

I don't have the panniers yet (the postie had taken them back to the delivery office and I won't be able to get them until Friday) so just stuffed the huge u-lock and cable lock into a rucksack and set off in my normal boots. I also had a fetching flouro yellow strap thing on my right ankle to keep trousers out of chain. I got to Sainsburys (less than a mile and a half), cycled straight up to the racks, dug the lock out and realised I didn't have a key for it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cycled home, picked up the key and decided as it was nearing 11 to head into town instead now. Zoomed into town, only forgetting a couple of times I wasn't clipped in and pulled foot off pedal (always tried to unclip when I had to put a foot down though). Its just over two miles on the tramway, easy cycling (bit of a bugger of a hill into Preston from the river), no traffic lights or queues, then parked the bike for free right in the middle of Fishergate. Locked it up with both u and cable lock (through the quick release wheels) and wandered off to Waterstones to buy map.

Bought the relevent map and walked back to bike, which was still there. Unlocked it all again and set off home. I can't believe how almost completely painless it was. I say almost painless because carrying heavy locks in a rucksack is really annoying and uncomfortable, the u-lock was really digging into my spine. Apart from that it was so easy and enjoyable.

I came up behind Yvonne running on the tramway on the way back and stopped for a chat. She is struggling with injury at the moment too so we both had a moan about running injuries. She also told me she had a very nasty fall off her bike (her bag caught in the spokes so instantaneous off). We chatted for a while then parted company, I cycled home and dumped the map and the cable lock as I didn't think I would need it at Sainsburys and headed back to Sainsburys.

By this time things were getting a little busy at Mr S's, there was queueing to get in the car park but I just serenely rolled in, locked bike up, toddled round the store to get what I needed then serenely glided out of the car park without having to wait.

I ended up doing around 12 miles without even trying. I will hopefully be able to pick up the panniers soon.

Tuesday 3rd June: Road Ride

Actually got out for an easy spin. I did wonder whether it was sensible or not as it was quite windy but as I was supposed to be taking it easy then I thought I would just drop the gears and keep cadence high. I had originally entertained thoughts of going all the way out to Elswick and doing over 30 miles but by the time I got home and tracked down all my riding kit (new Sugoi shorts) , tools etc for the saddle bag it was getting on a bit. I inflated the tyres as they were soft as usual when it hadn't been used for a week or two and fitted the Garmin bike mount which was quite easy though I am not a fan of zip tie mounts really as I never seem to get them tight enough. I left a few centimetres of the tie on, which looks unsightly but should mean I can have another go at tightening it if the Garmin moves around.

I clipped the Garmin on and the Polar computer for the cadence (still need to put the sensor on for speed) and the handlebar area looked like a aircraft cockpit with all the displays and buttons. I had a couple of gels and armwarmers in my jersey pockets and I set off. After about 200 metres it was clear my legs were still tired so definitely a cadence rather than a speed session then. After a mile the Garmin gives out a weird chiming noise to let me know a mile had passed, it was much more annoying than the running one and I will switch it off for next time.

I cruised my way to Strand Road, straight into the wind and continued out of Preston past the Audi garage. I turned right towards Clifton after Lea Gate and was hoping for some shelter from teh wind but it didn't seem to be happening. I kept the cadence high and the gears and heart rate low and ignored the speed. I carried on to the Hand and Dagger where I dodged a flotilla of canoeists carrying their equipment to the canal, I've never seen so many canoes in one place. I turned left here and headed out to Treales, I was right into the wind at this point but spun along moving into the drops for a while. I turned right once through Treales heading towards the masts at Inskip, the wind was side on here so I picked up some speed and cruised nicely along until the bridge over the M55 where I stopped for a gel. I continued on until the junction I would normally take to head to Elswick instead I carried straight on and skirted round the bottom of the mast site. I arrived at the junction of Hand and Dagger road quite quickly and headed back towards the pub. I made good progress here again as it was a side wind really.

When I arrived at the H & D there were no canoeists, they were all paddling on the canal (yuck, rather them than me) but a couple of cyclists were sat outside having a pint or two, looked tempting. I carried on towards Clifton and the wind seemed to be in my face again for a while but then it seemed to be behind me again. Once I got back onto the cycle path into Preston I was flying as the wind was right behind me. The traffic section through town was quiet this time and I had an easy cruise back home. I did decide to ride along the path on the south side of the river bank thinking it would be quieter, it was but it was also bone shakingly rough so I won't do that again on this bike.

Distance: 26.64 Time: 1:41:06
Av Speed: 15.5 ok, considering how much of a plod it was at points
Av Hr: 132 (58%, nice and low)
Max Hr: 158 (Just pushing up the hill past Texaco)

Changing the Forerunner 305 Strap.

I've been investigating buying a bike mount for the Forerunner. There are two main reasons for this, one is that I'd like to make more use of the navigation features and upload one of the many online road/offroad cycling routes to it and follow it round (backed up by map). I was particularly looking to do this for road rides intially. The second reason is that I'm fed up with the Polar CS200cad cycle computer that I have. The computer itself is fine and does speed, HR, cadence and it mounts to the stem which I prefer. The problem is that the wireless speed sensor has given up really quickly and the batteries cannot be replaced, I have to buy new ones. They are supposed to have 2000 riding hours life in them, my a*se! They are also really too bulky for the MTBs and are prone to being hit by things and moved too far away from the magnet. I had bought fitting kits for an extra two bikes and on all three the speed sensor has stopped transmitting and they are around £25 a pop to replace! The cadence sensor on the road bike is still working just fine and it was fitted at the same time. If I could find the receipts for them they would be getting sent back to Polar but as it is I can't so I'll have to lump it.

I bought a new speed sensor for the road bike as I'm planning to keep the Polar for that generally but I foud that Garmin do a quick release bike mount for the 305 whihc also comes with a velcro strap to replace the original unit strap, it is very much aimed at triathletes but I have no intention of running off the bike at the minute but I find the current strap gets uncomfortable after a while and the unit starts to dig into my wrist bone, there is no way I would wear it on my wrist on a bike. So I thought it may be worth trying out the strap and mount and duly ordered it from Amazon in the middle of the week, it arrived on Friday morning which meant I could replace the strap for the weekend's trail race. The kit composed a velcro strap with a plastic mount on it, a plastic mount for the bike, a tool to prise out the spring pins on the watch strap, some spare spring pins and some zip ties. The important bits:

The mount is actually quite neat which I was pleased about but due to the shape of the forerunner there was no way it was ever going to mount to a stem, I like it on the stem on the MTB as I feel its more out of the way in the event of a crash, I will also be interesting to see how it sits on the riser bars too but I'll find that out soon, this one is going on the road bike first. The strap is wide and inital impressions are that its comfortable, plastic mount means that the unit itself is held more proud of my wrist than before so it should hopefully solve the wrist bone irritation. It will be getting a full try out at the Garburn race tomorrow. The downside of that is that the unit looks even bigger on my wrist than before but I've gotten over the "beam me up Scotty" looks of the thing, I like using it.

Getting the springpins out to remove the original strap was a bit of a faff and one pinged across the lounge somewhere, the hoover will no doubt find it soon enough, however I just used one of the spares that came wth the mount and the strap was on. The unit now clips onto the plastic mount on the strap and is pretty easy to get off though my one concern is how long the plastic will tolerate this.

I'll see how I get on with the strap at the Garburn race. If I decide to put the mounts on all three bikes and I think its an even better idea for MTB then it seems Garmin don't do the bike mount without the strap, now I think a spare strap is a great idea for me with my propensity for losing things (still can't find my remote car key!), I think two spares is a teensy bit excessive and will just encourage me to be careless with it. I'm currently planning a recovery road ride for my legs on Sunday so will hopefully try the bike mount out then.